Delaware's efforts in reducing prescription drug abuse will be strengthened by legislation that received final approval in the General Assembly, June 30.

Comment

By Staff Reports

Sussex Countian

By Staff Reports

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Updated Jul 1, 2013 at 9:46 AM

By Staff Reports

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 9:26 AM
Updated Jul 1, 2013 at 9:46 AM

Dover, Del.

Delaware's efforts in reducing prescription drug abuse will be strengthened by legislation that received final approval in the General Assembly, June 30.

Senate Bill 119 responds to the recognition that increasing numbers of prescription drug addicts are turning to emergency rooms and urgent care clinics to obtain narcotics as enhanced enforcement has limited previous sources of drugs.

Senate Bill 119 builds on Delaware's prescription drug monitoring program by: Limiting all medical facilities except licensed pharmacies from dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of controlled substance to patients; requiring all 'dispensers' to enter any prescription of a controlled substance into the PMP, just as pharmacies are currently required to do; requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to establish a uniform protocol to guide caregivers regarding the proper disposal of controlled substances upon a patient’s death. Hospice care providers would also assist family members and caregivers to inventory and dispose of a patient’s remaining supply of controlled substances upon that patient’s death